A brother and sister from Westbrook are facing charges in connection with a large-scale stolen goods scheme.

Benjamin Roussel and Stephanie Roussel Haider are accused of recruiting drug addicts desperate for cash to steal merchandise from retailers in southern Maine.

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The Maine Department of Health and Human Services said the addicts sold the stolen merchandise to Roussel and Roussel Haider for pennies on the dollar.

The pair then sold the items through internet resale websites, according to investigators

Roussel and Roussel Haider collected $100,000 through the sale of the stolen items, DHHS said.

Investigators said search warrants served at the homes of the pair uncovered illegal drugs, stolen merchandise, evidence of shipping of stolen merchandise and store security devices, as well as electronic communications between the two organizing the operation.

DHHS said Roussel and Roussel Haider also were receiving food supplement benefits from DHHS and did not report the income from the illegal operation.

Investigators said Roussel did not report income while working as a wrecker operator.

DHHS said Roussel received more than $9,000 in benefits and Roussel Haider more than $13,000.